Upcoming Events
Il libro Italiano Book Club
UPDATE, Feb. 24: The first session of the book, scheduled for Feb. 25, is being postponed. Readers should instead plan to attend the discussion on April 22.
Professor Rala Diakite (Humanities) will lead a book club examining the recently-published (2022) biography of Edda Mussolini, Mussolini's Daughter: The Most Dangerous Woman in Europe, by Caroline Moorehead. A screening of the film Vincere directed by Marco Bellocchio enriches the topic of the private life of the Italian dictator, telling the tragic story of his first wife Ida Dalser and her child Benito.
The book club will meet at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in Hammond Hall, Room G-11. Use this form to RSVP for the discussion.
"Vincere" (2009) will screen at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10 in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall.
Participation in the book club and attendance at the film screening is free and open to the public.
Film Screening: "It Ain't Over" (2022)
Just in time for baseball season, the Center for Italian Culture is excited to host a public screening of It Ain’t Over (2022), a heartfelt and inspiring documentary about New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.
The film will screen at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.
This documentary chronicles the journey of Lorenzo Pietro “Yogi” Berra, the son of Italian immigrants who grew up in St. Louis. From his humble beginnings, Berra rose to greatness as a Yankee legend, playing alongside icons like Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio between 1946 and 1963, and later served as a manager and coach with the Yankees, New York Mets, and Houston Astros.
Featuring rare archival footage, insightful interviews with Berra and his family, and commentary from renowned figures such as Vin Scully, Bob Costas, Billy Crystal, Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, Joe Madden, and Joe Girardi, It Ain’t Over paints an intimate portrait of Yogi Berra’s life, both on and off the field.
This film will be introduced by long-time Center for Italian Culture Board member, Italianista, and baseball lover Professor Teresa Fava Thomas of the Department of Economics, History & Political Science.
As an added incentive to come out and screen this fascinating film, an autographed copy of Yogi Berra’s autobiography, Yogi: It Ain’t Over (1989) by Yogi Berra will be raffled off after the screening to someone in attendance.
Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or simply curious about this great Italian-American, one of the sport’s greatest personalities, this film is a must-see!
Past Events
Valentine's Day Italian Style with Vanessa Racci
The Center for Italian Culture hosted celebrated jazz singer Vanessa Racci at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in Weston Auditorium.
Vanessa Racci is a professional vocalist and touring artist of Italian descent with a passion for retro jazz and music made famous by Italian Americans. She puts a fresh claim on classic pop and jazz tunes with intoxicating vocals and presence that leave every audience member feeling nostalgic, enchanted and like family.
Racci has been acclaimed for her rich and enthusiastic voice in both English and Italian, reinterpreting classic songs with sass and swing.
Celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month this October with Italian trivia
Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture invites you to join us for La Serata Trivia – an exciting trivia night that will test your knowledge of all things Italian!
Date: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.)
Location: Falcon Hub, Hammond Hall
Cost: $10
What to Expect:
- Team Trivia Fun: Compete in teams of six, so gather your friends or make new ones on the spot! Whether you're an expert in Italian history, culture, or food – or just here for a good time – this event is for you.
- Tasty Treats: Your $10 ticket includes participation in the trivia competition and a delicious selection of cicchetti (Italian-style appetizers) prepared by Chartwells.
- Italian Drinks: A variety of Italian wines and beers will be available for purchase at the Falcon Hub bar.
- Prizes and Laughter: With exciting prizes up for grabs, plenty of laughs, and great company, you won’t want to miss this evening of friendly competition and celebration!